Measurement the “Q” angle through the application of direct method and indirect method

 

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Abstract

Introduction: The “Q” angle is used to measure global alignment of the kneecap, representing the kneecap normal alignment. The average of 15 degrees in ordinary people is accepted as “Q” angle value, 14 degrees for men and 17 degrees for women. Anatomic changes caused by variants produces converging kneecaps or lateral deviation of the tibial tuberosity, changing the “Q” angle value and causing pathologies. Objective: Measure the “Q” angle of asymptomatic people, comparing obtained results. Materials and Methods: The “Q” angle measurement was taken from 12 subjects (6 males and 6 females), with ages from 18 to 35, at the Physiotherapy Clinic of José do Rosario Vellano College, in Alfenas, MG. Results: After evaluating the 12 subjects following ANOVA test, using p < 0.05, no significant statistic difference could be observed among examiners, gender or right and left limbs, considering both direct and indirect methods. Conclusion: Data obtained in this research allows us suggest that there is no difference between “Q” angle values among genders, direct and indirect methods and lateral symmetry.